Anambra Police Intensify Anti-Cultism Campaign Through POCACOV Stakeholders' Engagement
By Chizoba Njaka
The Anambra State Police Command has intensified its campaign against cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), as a delegation from the Inspector-General of Police commenced a strategic working visit to the state.
The stakeholders' engagement, convened as the POCACOV Stakeholders' Interactive Meeting, Anambra State Command, is themed "Building a Safer Society Through Strategic Partnerships and Youth Engagement."
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on July 29, the delegation, led by the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, commenced a strategic working visit to Anambra State aimed at strengthening collaboration with the State Government, traditional rulers, educational institutions, religious organisations, youth groups, civil society organisations, and other critical stakeholders in advancing peace, security, and responsible citizenship.
As part of the strategic working visit, the delegation paid courtesy visits to the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, and the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Iweka III of Obosi.
The engagements centred on strengthening institutional partnerships aimed at addressing the root causes of crime, particularly among young people, through preventive policing, sustained public enlightenment, value reorientation, mentorship, and active community participation.
The state officials commended the Inspector-General of Police for sustaining the POCACOV initiative, describing it as a proactive, people-centred approach to crime prevention. They also reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Government and other stakeholders to ensuring the campaign reaches communities across the state.
Speaking during the visit, the National Coordinator of POCACOV reiterated the Inspector-General of Police's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at combating cultism, drug abuse, violent extremism, cybercrime, and other criminal activities through strategic partnerships and continuous stakeholder engagement.
She stressed that effective policing requires the collective efforts of government institutions, communities, parents, schools, and faith-based organisations in guiding and empowering young people.
The advocacy visit also featured interactive sessions with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, AIG Miller Gajere Dantawaye, and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, AIG Ikioye Orutugu, who recently received his promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
Members of the National Coordinator's entourage included Mr. Collins Iwuoba, Mr. Akindele Adegebo, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno, Comrade Ken Okoli, members of the POCACOV State Working Committee, and POCACOV ambassadors from various parts of Anambra State.